The government of Togo is asking stakeholders to comment on documents covering the development of a large-scale solar project ahead of issuing a competitive tender.

The Nangbéto solar PV project, with a planned capacity between 70 MW and 110 MW, represents the first tranche of a planned 400 MW clean power program in Togo.

Earlier this year, Belgium-headquartered clean energy non-profit RELP entered into an agreement with the Togolese government to support the development of a government-led renewable energy program.

A social media post published by RELP explains that before the government opens the competitive tender for the Nangbéto project, it is asking the market to review the draft documents. Documents available for comment include the concession agreement, power power agreement, tender dossier and technical requirements.

Togo’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Robert Koffi Messan Eklo, explained during the launch of the public consultation why Togo was requesting the feedback.

“If I sign at the wrong price, we’ll be paying for it for 25 years,” the minister said.

Independent power producers, contractors, suppliers and financiers are invited to give feedback on the documents. The deadline to submit comments is November 9.

RELP says the feedback will help make the final documents “clear, balanced and bankable, ahead of the tender launch expected by year-end.”

“Togo is starting something that matters for investors: a multi-year programme and a transparent, competitive process will give developers and lenders a credible pipeline and will provide the government good value,” Andrea Bertello, RELP Regional Director for Africa and Asia, told pv magazine.

RELP is also working with other West African nations to develop similar government-led renewable energy procurements, including Ghana, Senegal and Guinea.

The Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) has tracked 656 MW of operational solar in Togo, according to figures available in its project database, 496 MW of which is identified as commercial and industrial projects.